Angel is a world-famous, self-destructive movie star who built a lucrative career to mask the insecurities of his impoverished youth. Escaping his hometown of Seattle 17 years ago, he returns only because he requires a life-saving heart transplant. He maintains an arrogant, hedonistic celebrity facade that begins to crack under the reality of his severe cardiomyopathy.

Madelaine is a brilliant, highly capable cardiologist in Seattle and a single mother juggling a demanding career with difficult parenting challenges. She projects a flawless, authoritative medical persona to shield herself from the lingering pain of her past, particularly her emotional abandonment by Angel DeMarco. Despite her professional success, she struggles to maintain boundaries and connect meaningfully with her teenage daughter.

Lina is Madelaine's 16-year-old daughter, a teenager acting out through shoplifting and spending time with a destructive peer group. She feels profound loneliness and resentment over her mother's emotional distance and work commitments. Desperate for a sense of identity, she becomes fixated on uncovering the true name of her biological father, whom she has never met.

Francis is Angel's brother and an ordained priest who serves as a steadfast moral compass for those around him. He acts as Madelaine's closest confidant and provides Lina with a stable, supportive surrogate father figure. Unlike his brother, Francis is defined by his commitment to his faith and his willingness to sacrifice his own desires to care for others.

Val is Angel's Hollywood agent and long-time friend, sharing a history of financial precarity before finding success in the entertainment industry. He prioritizes protecting Angel's public image and managing tabloid speculation above all else. Val represents the transient, superficial lifestyle that Angel relies on to avoid his past.

Zachary is a high school student who has recently experienced a significant bereavement, giving him a grounded and mature perspective. He offers Lina genuine empathy and a healthy alternative to her usual destructive social circle. His calm demeanor provides a stabilizing influence when Lina feels alienated from her family.

Dr. Allenford is the head of transplant services at St. Joseph's Hospital in Seattle. He is a pragmatic medical professional who insists that Madelaine take Angel's difficult case, prioritizing patient survival over personal histories.

Vicki is the high school guidance counselor attempting to help Lina through her academic and behavioral struggles. She provides clear, direct advice to Madelaine regarding parenting and introduces Lina to her nephew, Zachary.

Jett is Lina's ex-boyfriend and part of a rebellious peer group that encourages destructive behavior. He cultivates a harsh, uncaring attitude and frequently mocks Lina, pushing her further into isolation.

Alexander is Madelaine's domineering and abusive father. His strict, controlling nature deeply scarred Madelaine during her youth, and his cruel reaction to her teenage pregnancy forced her into early independence.

Dr. Nusbaum is a neurologist in Portland who handles catastrophic brain injuries and manages the logistics of organ donation.

Dr. Sarandon is a cardiologist who takes over Angel's case at St. Joseph's Hospital to ensure ethical boundaries are maintained during the recovery process.

Ilya is a dying parishioner whose final words about living without regrets deeply impact Francis's perspective on his family and his choices.